Federal Marketplace Open Enrollment Period Begins Nov. 1 for Health Insurance Coverage eff. Jan 2021

Federal Marketplace Open Enrollment Period Begins Nov. 1 and continues until Dec. 15

for Health Insurance Coverage to Begin January 2021

The Med-QUEST Division of the Hawai‘i Department of Human Services is sharing an important deadline - residents who need affordable health insurance and who do not qualify for Medicaid coverage have 45 days to enroll in an affordable health plan through the health insurance marketplace, the federal website called HealthCare.org. The open enrollment period is from Nov. 1 to Dec. 15 for health coverage that begins January 2021. Applicants are able to create an account at www.healthcare.gov to determine their eligibility for coverage for health plans and subsidies that help make the plans more affordable.

The following chart provides income guidelines to applicants to determine if they are qualified for federally subsidized health insurance from the federal marketplace at www.healthcare.gov

In addition to the website, interested applicants can apply over the phone by calling

1-800-318-2596.

If you have health coverage through the marketplace now, you may review and update your application at HealthCare.gov and report any life changes.

To speak with an interpreter, applicants may call 1-800-318-2596 and say “Agent” or press “0.” Once an agent is on the line, say the name of the language you need. TTY users may call 1-855-889-4325.

In Hawai‘i, the Med-QUEST Division of the Hawai‘i Department of Human Services assists with community outreach and education for the federal marketplace, which manages eligibility and enrollment functions.

Senator J. Kalani English thanks Hawaiian Airlines for extending service to Lānaʻi and Moloka'i

Senator J. Kalani English thanks Hawaiian Airlines for extending service to Lānaʻi and Moloka'i through January 2020

Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English (Senate District 7 – Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi and Kahoʻolawe) released the following statement thanking Hawaiian Airlines for extending air service to Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi through January 2020:

“I want to thank Hawaiian Airlines for their willingness to continue to provide ‘Ohana by Hawaiian passenger flights between Honolulu and both Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i through at least mid-January 2021.

Despite an earlier announcement that the company would temporarily suspend routes, the communities of Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i are covered under the federal Essential Air Service (EAS) program and flights must be maintained to provide critical air service for residents.

Hawaiian Airlines has reaffirmed their commitment to our rural communities and they will comply with the EAS requirements to continue to serve Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i.

I look forward to working with them as they continue exploring long-term solutions to preserve critical connectivity for both islands.”

Stay At Home order approved for Lanai, starting Tuesday, Oct. 27

Mayor Michael Victorino announced that the County of Maui received approval from the Governor to issue a mandatory Stay At Home order for Lanai residents and visitors beginning 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27.

Under the order, Lanai residents and visitors may leave home or their place of lodging for only essential work and essential activities. Only one member of a household should leave at a time, unless other family members such as children and disabled persons cannot be left alone.

All travel will be restricted to only essential work or medical purposes. All other travelers would be required to quarantine for 14 days.

The order will remain in place until Nov. 11.

Essential workers traveling to Lanai may request limited quarantine by visiting www.MauiCounty.gov

“It’s abundantly clear that large gatherings without physical distancing or wearing of masks can quickly lead to an outbreak that threatens the entire community,” Mayor Victorino said. “We continue to work with the State Department of Health, local healthcare providers and the Lanai Incident Command Post on providing emergency support and resources. Everyone needs to do their part to ensure we protect our friends, family and loved ones.”